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18 Jun 2013

Paper Mill Playhouse offers a brand new production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid running through June 30. Just one year after winning Paper Mill's Rising Star Award, Morgan Kirner is up on the mainstage as a member of the ensemble and understudy to the title character.

"Hello there, Playbill," says Kirner. "My name is Morgan and I have the amazing opportunity to be working at the Paper Mill Playhouse this summer on The Little Mermaid! Since being a member of the conservatory in '09, it's been a dream of mine to work here."

"Last year, I was blessed to be named a Rising Star, but I had no idea how much goes into the behind the scenes aspects of putting on a show at the Paper Mill. Check out these pictures for a glimpse of what my experience has been like this far ... and then come see the show. You won't be disappointed!"

The production, featuring a revamped script, additional songs, a new physical production and an entirely fresh interpretation of the piece, will also play at partner theatres Kansas City Starlight and Pittsburgh CLO.

"In a magical kingdom beneath the sea," according to press notes, "the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on the enchanting 1989 Disney animated film and one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages."

The score features "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, "Under the Sea," composed by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and his longtime collaborator, the late Howard Ashman, as well as new songs by Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The book for the musical is by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Doug Wright.